When is YOUR new year?

Yesterday was the Jewish New Year. For those of you who aren’t Jewish, or don’t have more than outsider knowledge of the Jewish religion, this is the big one. Actually, it’s in the top three of the truly important Jewish holidays. For those who are truly observant, it’s a really big deal. It’s the time of year when you reflect on the year past with an honest and introspective view. You feel pride for what you have done well, but you are also asked to “fess up” for what you botched. You are asked, by God, to make a concerted effort to improve yourself and your actions in the coming year. 

As a side note, Hanukah is not. Not religiously important, that is. Not to say that it’s not fun. Hey, I love Hanukah. Candles, pretty songs and presents. And don’t forget the fried food and chocolate coins. What’s not to like? But in terms of religious power, it’s not even in the top ten. The only reason Hanukah get the attention it does is due to its proximity to Christmas. It seems the Jewish kids wanted a party holiday too. Go figure. 

I’m not particularly religious, despite having been raised in a Jewish home. I don’t say any particular prayers at this time and I certainly don’t visit any synagogues. I don’t eat any particular foods. 

I do, however, think about the year past. I reflect on where I am RIGHT NOW. What’s going well? What am I enjoying? What am I not enjoying that I used to enjoy? Can I change that? How? What is causing me stress? Could I lessen that level of stress without disrupting the central elements of my daily life? 

Am I truly living my life the best way I could? Probably not. What can I change? 

If you aren’t Jewish, you probably associate this thought process with a different date on the calendar, but quite likely follow the same pattern of thought. Maybe you contemplate the past year, under the influence of too much alcohol, on New Year’s Eve, while watching the ball drop over New York City. Or perhaps your thoughts wander on your birthday as you reconcile the fact that you are now a whole year older. Or perhaps Easter. Or maybe on the anniversary of an important event. 

The date is insignificant, if you ask me. The essential is that you take the time, however short, every once in a while to reflect.To live with awareness.To strive for excellence.

Because if we don't have a concrete date to remind us to pay attention, we might forget.